Living In Georgia Country- 20+ Important Tips

Welcome to Georgia, a country where the mountains are as lofty as the ancient tales and the wine flows as freely as the hospitality! Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, living in Georgia country offers a fascinating blend of old-world charm and buzzing modernity and in this article we’ll show you all the aspects of living in this up and coming digital nomad destination.

Ready, set, go…

A Country Like No Other

The local name or how Georgians call their country is slightly different though. It’s Sakartvelo. Georgia or Sakartvelo is the northernmost Caucasus country in this beautiful slip of land nuzzled between the Black and the Caspian Sea, bordering Russia on the North, and Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan on the South and East. And here’s when the big dilemma pops up. Is Georgia part of Asia or Europe?

Georgians belong to the Caucasian race and they are Orthodox Cristian, which means they have more cultural similarities with Europe. However, they are located on the East from Turkey, which technically comes under Asia. On the other hand, the Georgian language is unique, not deriving from any other language. They technically have three alphabets but officially use one.

This alphabet has some of the hardest sounds that seemed completely impossible to pronounce to me. The most impressive part about Georgia is that they managed to preserve their identity despite the strong influence of their mighty neighbors, Russia and Turkey. Georgia isn’t quite European, nor is it Asian. That’s why I say Georgia is a country like no other.

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A Small Country With A Lot Of Diversity

Georgia is divided into 11 regions with the capital residing in Tbilisi. If you’re not from around, then try pronouncing that. Tbilisi is a bustling, multicultural city with Narikala Fort looming over the city. There are many places to visit in Tbilisi but the Old Town is one of the most charming places I’ve seen. You can find an Orthodox church, a Catholic church, a mosque, and a synagogue in the same neighborhood.

The country is conveniently located between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains. And these mountains probably have a critical role in preserving Georgian identity as we know it today. The fact that the whole country is surrounded by mountains made it rather difficult to conquer throughout history. Not only that, but these mountains protect Georgia from the blistering cold air masses of Russia and the hot and dry streams that penetrate from the Middle East. That’s why the country has a perfect weather, with both moderately cold winters and moderately hot summers.

Area-wise, Georgia is a pretty small country. However, it has surprisingly diverse and often fairytale-like landscapes for its size of 70,000 square kilometers. Georgia has Mount Shkhara, which is over 5,000 meters above sea level.  Concealed within the hills lie Javakheti volcanic plateau and the Southern Georgia volcanic plateau. They are both, unstable geological regions with a lot of hot springs and mineral water and a lot of seismic activity too. Finally, caves. So many of them.

A couple of worth mentioning are Melouri Cave, which is still not fully explored and Krubera Cave, officially the deepest cave in the world that goes 2,000 meters underground. Furthermore, Georgia has some amazing waterfalls, the absolutely stunning Martvili Canyon, and the gorgeous blue lake in Abkhazia. Finally, they also have a big port city in Batumi and some pretty nice beaches on the Black Sea coast.

Related: why should you consider visiting Yerevan?

Cost of Living in Georgia Country

This guide to living in Georgia country wouldn’t be complete without a complete breakdown of living costs as a foreigner. Here’s some basic estimates.

Renting Real Estate: Real Deals

• City Center Apartment: Imagine living in the heart of Tbilisi for about $300-$500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. That’s less than what you’d spend on a fancy weekend getaway.
• Outside City Center: If you’re willing to commute, the price drops to around $200-$350 per month. That’s like, what, four fancy coffee runs?

2. Food: Delicious and Affordable

• Groceries: A weekly grocery haul could set you back about $25-$40, depending on how much you’re swayed by the cheese section.
• Eating Out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $5-$7. Yes, a full meal, not just an appetizer pretending to be one.

3. Transportation: Pocket Change

• Public Transport: A one-way ticket is often under $0.25, and a monthly pass is around $13-$15. That’s probably less than your monthly streaming subscription.
• Taxis: Starting at about $1.50, with an average trip within the city not exceeding $4-$6.

4. Utilities: Surprisingly Light on the Pocket

• For an average apartment, monthly utilities including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage can range from $30 to $50. That’s less than a fancy dinner for two!

5. Healthcare: Keeping Your Finances Healthy

• Doctor’s Visit: A routine visit to a doctor can be as low as $10-$20.
• Health Insurance: Monthly premiums for comprehensive coverage can vary, but on average, you might spend about $30-$50.

6. Education: Investing in the Future

• International Schools: If you’re looking at English-speaking international schools, tuition can range from $5,000 to $12,000 per year. A bit of a splurge, but hey, it’s for education!

7. Leisure: Affordable Fun for Everyone

• Movie Tickets: Catching a flick can cost around $4-$6.
• Gym Membership: Staying fit in Georgia costs about $20-$40 per month, depending on how fancy the gym is.

Adapting To Local Food When Living In Georgia Country

Where to start? You thought France and Italy have the best wine in the world? That’s because you probably didn’t visit Georgia. These guys started making wine 300 years B.C. Georgia is unofficially the birth crib of this amazing drink we love so much today.

In addition to wine, another integral part of Georgian cuisine is cheese. They have so many different kinds of it. Salty Kulguni, stringy tenili, different kinds of guda, Imeruli cheese… You name it. They even have a dish that has cheese inside of the cheese.  Georgians also eat a lot of meat. So if you’re vegetarian, good luck. But if you’re a meat-lover you’ll love it here. Like I said they eat a lot of meat. Even their soups are full of meat.  

Georgians consider rice as food for poor people. And they eat a lot of bread too. They have a variety of different types of bread. The most famous one is Khachapuri which has the status of the national dish. It’s kind of like a Georgian pizza with a lot of cheese and a fried egg on the top. I also must mention Khinkali, which is the Georgian version of a dumpling. A giant dumpling.

A large portion of Georgia’s land is fertile and there are a lot of different fruits growing here. You can buy a lot of fresh fruits on the street market and you can find fresh fruit juice every 100 meters when walking in the street. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

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The People

Another reason to visit Georgia is its warm people. There’s a saying in Georgia that says: ‘Every guest is a gift from God’. And the Tbilisi airport has a free Wi-Fi network that goes under the name ‘Tbilisi Loves You’. Now, the thing is, at first sight, all Georgians look like the typical bad guy from a Hollywood movie but they are generally very warm and welcoming people. As I said, guests are a sacred thing for Georgian and they will do everything in their power to help you in any way they can. Even though many of them don’t speak English, their generosity and hospitality are on another level.

Best Towns To Live in Georgia Country

Are you seriously consider living in Georgia country? Then you may want to check out this section of the best towns to stay in.

Tbilisi is like your cool, artsy friend who also knows a great deal about history. With its vibrant arts scene, cafes that ooze character, and architecture that tells a story, it’s a feast for the senses. Plus, Tbilisi’s tech scene is buzzing, making it a magnet for the digitally inclined.

Batumi is a seaside paradise with a futuristic skyline, botanical gardens, and an alluring boardwalk. This city is for those who love the beach but also crave a touch of urban flair.

If Tbilisi is the cool artsy friend, Kutaisi is the laid-back, budget-friendly cousin. It’s Georgia’s legislative capital and boasts a cost of living that won’t make your wallet weep. It’s steeped in history, with cathedrals and monasteries that look like they popped out of a fairy tale.

Nestled in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, Sighnaghi is like a painting come to life. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts and those who enjoy a slower pace of life. Think cobblestone streets, vineyards within arm’s reach, and a tranquility that’s hard to find in larger cities.

Relocation Tips and Residence Permits

Let’s cha-cha through some essential tips for relocating to Georgia and go through all the necessary documents and permits with a sprinkle of humor and a heap of practicality.

Georgia’s visa policy is like a friendly doorman at a club – welcoming but with rules. Most nationalities can stay visa-free for a year. For longer stays, you’ll need a residence permit.

Short-Term Residence Permit: Ideal for employment, freelancing, or if you’ve bought property worth at least $100,000. It’s like Georgia saying, “Nice commitment, here’s your pass!”

Investment Residence Permit: Got $300,000? Invest it in Georgia’s economy, and you get a permit. It’s Georgia’s way of saying, “Thanks for believing in us!”

Permanent Residence Permit: After 6 years of temporary residency, Georgia is ready to put a ring on it and offer you permanent residency.

Opening a bank account in Georgia is easier than explaining why you love the country (it’s just awesome, okay?). Banks like TBC or Bank of Georgia are expat-friendly.

Life in Georgia: Healthcare, Education, Culture, and Leisure

We’re approaching the end of this guide to living in Georgia country, it’s time to cover some basic aspects of staying here, like healthcare, education, culture, and leisure.

Healthcare: A Spoonful of Surprises

Georgia’s healthcare system is still evolving, major cities like Tbilisi boast hospitals with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Georgia is renowned for its medical tourism, especially for dental work and cosmetic surgery.

Education: More Than Just ABCs and აბგs

With public schooling available and a growing number of international schools, especially in Tbilisi, your kids can get educated while absorbing a rich cultural heritage.
Higher education in Georgia is gaining momentum with an increasing number of programs in English.

Culture: A Kaleidoscope of Traditions

Georgian culture is as rich as their khachapuri cheese bread. It’s a blend of Eastern and Western influences, steeped in history, religion, and art. From the polyphonic singing (a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) to the vibrant traditional dances, Georgia has a lot to offer and if that’s not enough, locals claims to be the birthplace of wine, with a winemaking history that stretches back over 8,000 years.

Leisure: The Great Georgian Outdoors (and Indoors)

For the outdoorsy types, Georgia is like a playground designed by nature. From the hiking trails in the Caucasus Mountains to the beaches on the Black Sea coast, there’s a slice of nature for everyone.
City dwellers aren’t left out either. Tbilisi, for example, is a blend of chic cafes, quirky art galleries, and buzzing nightlife.

Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia Country

Now, the part you’ve probably been waiting for- a quick and dirty overview of the main pros and cons of living in Georgia country.

Pros of Living in Georgia Country

1. Affordable Living: Georgia’s cost of living is affordable, from rent to utilities. Your wallet gets to breathe a sigh of relief!
2. Scenic Beauty and Diversity: From the majestic Caucasus Mountains to the serene Black Sea coast, it’s a paradise for eyes and cameras alike.
3. Rich History and Culture: With a history stretching back millennia, living in Georgia is like having a time machine.
4. Delicious Cuisine: Georgian cuisine, with its mouth-watering khachapuri and hearty stews, is a serious contender for top reasons to live here.
5. Warm Hospitality: Georgians are like the friends who always insist you stay for dinner. Their hospitality is legendary – expect to be welcomed with open arms and full wine glasses.

Cons of Living in Georgia Country

1. Language Barrier: Georgian language unique (with its own alphabet!) but can be challenging for newcomers and English is not widely spoken outside major cities.
2. Traffic and Infrastructure: Driving in Georgia is like participating in an unsanctioned racing event – thrilling but not always in a good way. Traffic can be chaotic, and road conditions vary.
3. Bureaucracy: Dealing with bureaucracy in Georgia can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube – it’s colorful, complex, and can test your patience.
4. Economic Development: While Georgia is rapidly developing, some areas, especially in rural regions, are still catching up.
5. Weather Extremes: The weather can swing from “basking in the sun” to “where did I put my umbrella?” quite rapidly. It adds a bit of excitement, but maybe not the kind you always want.

A Couple Of Things To Note For The End

Last but not least, we conclude this guide to living in Georgia country with a few random facts that might come in handy in different situations.

You might think that Georgians don’t like Russians because they basically took a part of their land in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Today, these two are autonomous regions heavily influenced by Russia. But Georgians actually love Russia and most people still speak Russian. Far more than English, for that matter.

The most famous Georgian? Many people don’t know this but Joseph Stalin. He was born in the small town of Gori. And Georgians are actually proud of the notorious dictator and are not ashamed of the things he did.

In conclusion, Georgia is elaborately hidden, rustic, yet modernized, medieval-looking like country caught between two worlds that refuses to identify with. With its own vibrant heritage that passed the test of time.

Useful Resources For Living In Georgia Country

Whether you’re eyeing a chic apartment in Tbilisi or a quaint cottage in Kutaisi, do your homework. Websites like myhome.ge or place.ge are your digital real estate agents.

Get the cheapest flights to Georgia with this Qatar Airways special offer. I use it for my flights and I saved hundreds of dollars throughout the years.

If you don’t have travel insurance, I personally use and recommend SafetyWing.

If you want to rent a car in Georgia, you can get up to 25% off with this AutoEurope special offer.

If you need to book a getaway accommodation in Georgia, you can use this Booking.com discount. Alternatively, use this offer and save when staying at all Radisson hotels in Georgia.

Finally, don’t forget to check whether you need to obtain a visa. If you do, you can easily get it through Ivisa. It’s quick, hassle-free, and most importantly- affordable.

Did this article give you enough reasons why to visit Georgia? Let us know in the comments!